It is fair to say that the C4 Corvette disappointed many upon its release. Its styling drew inspiration from its predecessor, although its performance wasn’t all that buyers had hoped for from Chevrolet’s latest offering. However, the company rode to the rescue when it released the ZR-1 variant in 1990. Suddenly, the Corvette had teeth, possessing the performance that its badge deserved. This 1991 example recently emerged from a long slumber, with the seller performing a revival. A few minor tasks await the buyer, although they don’t appear to be complicated or expensive. The seller has listed the ZR-1 here on eBay in Higden, Arkansas. They set their BIN at $18,500 with the option to make an offer.
Chevrolet released its latest Corvette for the 1984 model year, replacing the iconic C3 that had done much to cement the badge’s place in the market. Initial sales were strong, but tapered markedly in the following years. The company released the potent ZR-1 for the 1990 model year, with our feature car rolling off the line in 1991. The ZR-1 was not a cheap option, adding $31,683 to the Corvette’s sticker price. However, with 2,044 buyers ticking that box on the Order Form, it equated to almost 10% of total Corvette sales in 1991. The first owner ordered this ZR-1 in Bright Red, which was comfortably the most popular shade that year. It presents quite well for its age, with the seller identifying a scrape on the right-rear quarter panel as the only significant cosmetic shortcoming. A reputable shop should have no trouble addressing that problem, and doing so would allow the car to make a positive impression as a survivor-grade vehicle. The sale includes both the glass and fiberglass roof panels, along with the original wheels. The trim is in good order, and the glass is clear.
The ZR-1 represents one of automotive history’s most successful collaborative efforts. General Motors had purchased the Lotus Group in 1986. The company sought to inject some excitement into the Corvette range, utilizing Lotus’ motorsport expertise to develop a unique engine for the ZR-1. The result was the 5.7-liter LT-5 V8, a brute of an engine featuring an aluminum engine block, quad camshafts, thirty-two valves, and fuel injection. The company quoted official power and torque figures of 375hp and 370 ft/lbs, although many believe that both figures were understated. The power feeds to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission, while Bilstein engineered the FX3 suspension package and Bosch provided the anti-lock brakes. It is easy to see from the specifications why some buyers were willing to outlay a significant amount of money to own a ZR-1. The seller admits to some mechanical upgrades to this car, including a ported intake, headers, a 3″ Billy Boat exhaust, and a lightweight flywheel. However, it appears that the factory flywheel and exhaust are included if the buyer wishes to return this Corvette to its factory form. The car has spent time in hibernation, but the seller has coaxed it back to life by replacing the oil, fuel, filters, coolant, and the clutch master and slave cylinders. The only remaining task would appear to be replacing the flat-spotted tires before this Corvette is ready for fun with its new owner behind the wheel.
The “Red” theme set by this Corvette’s exterior continues inside, with the seats trimmed in Red leather, and the remaining upholstered surfaces and carpet finished in the same shade. There is little to criticize about the appearance, with the outer seat bolsters particularly noteworthy for their lack of wear. It appears that the car may feature a more modern stereo as the only aftermarket addition. Otherwise, ZR-1 buyers received air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power seats, power mirrors, cruise control, and a tilt wheel as standard fare in 1991.
The 1991 Corvette ZR-1 is a potent classic, proving that collaborative efforts will sometimes bear fruit for manufacturers. Its performance is unquestionable, and remains quite impressive over three decades after this 1991 model left the factory. Returning it to active service shouldn’t be difficult or expensive, offering the prospect of some rewarding summer motoring with the top removed. The listing statistics suggest that people like what they see, and I won’t be surprised if someone hits the button well before the end date. Are you tempted to beat them to the punch?
Are the zr-1 specific bits getting harder to source?
Pretty, always like these as a GenXr!
There are a lot of lower mileage ZR-1’s in existence that are in possession of long term, if not original owners. I’d try to find one of those, the typically haven’t been that much more expensive, though that’s starting to change. About 1 1/2 years ago a friend that bought one new sold his for less than $30,000, it had been garage kept it’s entire life and had about 30k miles.
Steve R
The ZR-1 “specific” parts are entirely major engine parts. The consumable stuff can be had via parts cross over usage or at Jerry’s Gaskets. The internal engine parts were all custom to the LT5.
Body parts are another story. Extinct for ZR-1 specific: doors, wheel-house liners, rocker covers, entire rear end of car. Common C4 body parts: entire front & roofs & back glass. Windshield is dimensionally same for C4’s, but the ZR-1 has a very distinct different tint color than standard C4. Different company also.
No Corvette looks worse than the bloated-blob that came next, the C5. Halo car for guys with frosted-tips & tribal band tattoos.
I own a C5, purchased after selling my C4 and C3. I don’t have frosted tips or really much hair at all to speak of, and not a drop of ink. I don’t know where such pre-conceptions come from. Anyway, if you ever drove a C5 I think your opinion would change. It does all the things the C4 does, just with much less drama, and I love the styling. Maybe it’s the bloated blobness that appeals to me.
I love the look of the C-5!
A couple of personal opinions: First, with the notable exception of of the ’67 427, the C-5 is the prettiest Corvette produced up to that point and with the also notable exception of the the ZR-1, the C-4 was a complete failure as a Corvette. So there you go boys and girls, have fun. (By the way, this car is a steal at this price)
“It is fair to say that the C4 Corvette disappointed many upon its release.”
Adam, I don’t often call into question the statements that the fine authors here at BF makes, but this one is not valid, I’m afraid.
The C4 was a HUGE improvement over the C3, that had run its course and should have been replaced many years earlier.
If the worst that could be said was that the ’84 was a rough ride, it more than made up for it in super improved handling.
DN I tend to agree. I have had 2 C4’s, a 1988 and now a 1992 convertible with a hardtop. People always say “well for just a few thousand more you could have gotten a C5”. I’m sorry, I just don’t find the C5 attractive. Sure, the C5 is a better performer on paper, but I also live in New Jersey and commute to Manhattan, my average daily speed is somewhere under 40 mph, so I have no use for all that extra performance the C5 offers. To each their own, of course, a Corvette is still a Corvette no matter what era it’s from and still better than 90% of all the other cars on the road anyway
Usually as cars evolve they get better. (Porsche, Corvair, Fiero, Miata) Just to name a few. A Corvette is easily one of these cars to the extreme. Let’s just pray that GM doesn’t pull one of its “usual” plans and discontinue the Corvette at the height of it’s current state. Like it did with the Corvair and Fiero which were excellent cars in their final edition. (not so much in their original edition) The C4 was a HUGE improvement over the C3, and the C5 was only a small improvement (not so much in the appearance side in my opinion) over the C4. Chevrolet has never gone backwards on the Corvette. So for those whole like/love Corvettes each edition is a prized improvement. JMHO.
Totally agree Wayne! As a Fiero owner (first an 86, then an ’88 Formula…”the” Fiero to get), an early C4 owner and then a late C4 owner, and an NC1 Miata, it’s rare in my opinion when a model takes a step backward as time goes by.
While GM does have that nasty and annoying habit of pulling the plug just when they get things right, I don’t think that will happen with the Corvette as it’s just too popular and sales are very good.
Never used to give a crap about any Vettes, but as time goes by I really wouldn’t mind owning a ZR1. They are the upswing of Corvettes getting better in my eyes. I have driven one a long time ago and was impressed with it. To each their own I guess. I’d wouldn’t mind having one. Just my thoughts about Vettes… I come from Oldsmobile cars so yeah…
If you do go for a ZR-1, swing for the fences with a 93-95 model with the 405hp.